12 Day Danube River Cruise with Prague(Budapest to Passau, Monarch Princess)

12 days with Gate 1 Rating: Deluxe

River Cruise Itinerary

DAY 1, Saturday - Depart for HungaryDepart for Hungary.

DAY 2, Sunday - Cruise Embarkation in BudapestArrive in Budapest, Hungary. Embarkation will begin at 2 pm. After arrival formalities, time to relax on board. Tonight, meet your Cruise Director and enjoy a gala welcome dinner as it sets the mood for your delightful river cruise. (Dinner)

DAY 3, Monday - Budapest City TourYour morning tour begins on the Pest side of the city, view the Parliament, City Park and Heroes Square. Cross to Buda to see the Royal Palace, Matthias Church and the graceful medieval architecture along the cobbled streets. Explore the city's wonderful shops and cafes this afternoon on your own. Set sail to Bratislava in the evening. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 4, Tuesday - Bratislava City TourThis morning, enjoy the tranquil scenery as the ship sails along the scenic Danube. In the late afternoon, arrive in Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, a mix of modern and Baroque architecture. This capital city is among the youngest in Europe, yet retains a rich history dating back more than 2000 years. Walk along the cobblestone lanes of the historic town center; view St. Martin's Cathedral, coronation site of the Kings of Hungary, the 13th century Old Town Hall and the Franciscan church. Time to explore this colorful city on your own before returning to the ship for dinner. This evening, the ship will set sail to Vienna. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 5, Wednesday - Vienna City TourYour morning tour of romantic Vienna introduces you to this Imperial city with its legendary opulence and elegance. Drive along the famed Ringstrasse, Vienna's main boulevard lined with magnificent Baroque palaces, parks and monuments. View the lavish Hofburg Palace, and the impressive Vienna Opera House. Continue to majestic St. Stephen's Cathedral and the Parliament building. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure, or, join the optional tour to the magnificent Schonbrunn Palace, once summer residence of the Hapsburgs. Visit the gorgeous baroque apartments and stroll through the world-famous manicured gardens. Tonight, perhaps take the opportunity to attend an evening of Viennese culture in the "City of Music" at an optional concert performance of the classical masterpieces of Mozart and Strauss, two of Vienna's most famous citizens. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 6, Thursday - Melk AbbeyThis morning, arrive in the village of Durnstein, one of the prettiest towns on the Danube. Free time to stroll this quintessential village in the heart of the Wachau wine district. Walk along medieval cobblestone streets revealing 16th-century town houses and wine taverns. Continue cruising late this morning through the scenic Wachau Valley, with lovely storybook views of vineyards, castles, hilltop ruins and monasteries. Later, disembark in Melk for a guided tour of the historic Benedictine Abbey, considered one of the finest examples of Baroque architecture in Europe. View the Abbot's chambers, the Kaiser's walk, and the lavish library. The ship will set sail as you dine on board this evening. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 7, Friday - Full Day in LinzEarly this morning cruise into Linz. Founded by the Romans, Linz has cultivated a strong artistic tradition, especially in the field of music. Today is free to explore the city independently, taking in such sites as St. Mary’s Cathedral and Linz Castle, or just relaxing at a café sampling the famous Linzer torte which was named after this quaint city. Alternatively, join the optional full day tour to beautiful Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart and setting for the Sound of Music. The walking tour will include some of Salzburg's most historic sites including the Mirabell Palace, the Abbey, Salzburg Cathedral, and St. Peter's Cemetery. After lunch at a local restaurant, there will be time to discover Salzburg on your own before returning to the ship. In the early evening, all passengers will rejoin the ship and set sail for Passau. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Optional: Full Day Tour of Salzburg

DAY 8, Saturday - Full Day in PassauDock this morning in 2500-year old Passau, known for its pastel patrician houses, cafés, cobblestone lanes and riverfront promenade. Passau is a town with a mix of Roman, Italian Baroque and Gothic architecture. Tonight, enjoy a lavish Captain's Dinner on board. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 9, Sunday - Afternoon in PragueThis morning, bid farewell to your Cruise Director and meet your local host as you disembark from the river cruise and drive to the "Golden City" of Prague. Today is free to explore Prague on your own. Perhaps visit the museums, galleries or wander along the banks of the Vltava River. Tonight, mix with the locals at Wenceslas Square, shop for local handicrafts, enjoy one of the many charming cafes or dine at a world-class restaurant. (Breakfast)

DAY 10, Monday - Prague City TourYour morning tour of Prague includes a visit to the 1000-year-old Hradcany Castle grounds, former residence of the Bohemian Kings. Enjoy magnificent views of the Charles Bridge and Lesser Town below and see the elegant courtyards, St. George Basilica and the St. Vitus Cathedral. Continue to the Jewish Quarter, and the Old Town Square to view the world-famous Astronomical Clock and the Town Hall. The rest of the day is at leisure to visit the museums, galleries or wander along the banks of the Vltava River. Or, join the optional afternoon tour to Terezin, the infamous Nazi WWII concentration camp, now a memorial to those who perished. (Breakfast)

Optional: Terezin (PM)

DAY 11, Tuesday - Full Day in PragueToday is free to further explore this beautiful city independently. Visit the museums, galleries or stroll along Parizska Street, the city's famous shopping district, or perhaps join the optional tour of Malá Strana, also known as Lesser Town, one of Prague’s most historic districts. Explore this enchanting part of Prague, filled with important cultural landmarks such as the Charles Bridge with its 30 Baroque statues of various saints, and beautiful Kampa Island which is full of quaint restaurants and a lovely park. This evening, perhaps try traditional Czech cuisine at a popular restaurant. Remember to sample Prague's national treasure - its world-renowned beer. (Breakfast)

Land/Cruise only price does not include arrival/departure transfers. Mar 24 & 26 departures end in Passau instead of Regensburg. Budapest to Regensburg: Passengers arriving to Budapest on Day 2 should select flights that arrive no later than 3:00 pm. Regensburg to Budapest: Passengers arriving to Munich on Day 2 should select flights that arrive no later than 3:00 pm. Budapest to Passau: Passengers arriving to Budapest on Day 2 should select flights that arrive no later than 3:00 pm. Passau to Budapest: Passengers arriving to Munich on Day 2 should select flights that arrive no later than 3:00 pm. Due to physical constraints and space limitations, wheelchairs and walkers are not allowed on motor coaches and/or river cruises. There are no elevators or chair lifts on board. While sailing with Monarch Cruises, passengers are subject to the cruise's Terms & Conditions.

Know Before You Book - High & Low Water European river cruising has gained in popularity for very good reason. It's a relaxing and convenient way to experience Europe while enjoying the comfort of a deluxe ship. However, before making the decision to reserve your vacation, please be aware of potential conditions which may impact your cruise. While most of the time river cruises operate exactly as planned, weather conditions may result in high or low water levels which impact a ship's itinerary and, on occasion, render a ship unable to sail at all. On very rare occasions, other events such as heavy fog, a damaged lock, or an incapacitated vessel blocking the river, may impact a sailing. These events typically occur with little or no notice. In the event that a cruise is partially or completely impacted, the itinerary will be operated by deluxe motor coach, accompanied by a Tour Manager, with overnights in hotels. The itinerary will include as many of the originally scheduled sightseeing features as possible, considering the travel time and distances required, as well as meals. While it is not possible to recreate the more leisurely comforts of sailings, we will endeavor to provide a comparable itinerary. These alternative services will be provided at no additional charge.

This moderately active trip covers a fair amount of ground each day. Expect from three to four hours walking every touring day. The pace is moderate, however you will encounter some uneven surfaces, stairs, steps and significant slopes. There is a potential for a small number of sailings to be impacted by river water levels, or other factors which may impact safe navigation. This may cause part or all of the cruise itinerary to be operated by motor coach and may also involve hotel accommodations.

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The prices shown are U.S. dollars per person, based on double occupancy, and subject to availability. Prices quoted for land/cruise arrangements are subject to increase without notice. Once we have received your deposit, land/cruise prices are guaranteed. Air prices quoted via phone or email are subject to increase and are guaranteed only from the time that full payment is received. Also, air prices or air promotions mentioned on this site or on the phone do not include baggage fees imposed by airlines. Sorry, we are unable to offer air from countries other than the U.S. However, for those international customers who are able to arrange their own transportation to the trip origination city, we are able to offer the land/cruise portion of the package at the price quoted.